[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E378]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING VETERANS PARTICIPATING IN THE INAUGURAL LONE EAGLE HONOR 
                        FLIGHT FROM PUERTO RICO

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. JENNIFFER GONZALEZ-COLON

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 28, 2023

  Mrs. GONZALEZ-COLON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize 21 
veterans from my District who from April 12th to April 14th visited our 
Nation's Capital as part of the inaugural Lone Eagle Honor Flight from 
Puerto Rico.
  The Lone Eagle Honor Flight honors American veterans all over the 
Nation for their courage, and outstanding achievements in defense of 
the ideals of the United States of America by transporting them to 
Washington, D.C. to visit the veterans memorials, paying tribute to 
bold servicemen and women who have served our Nation. This recognition 
is well-deserved and a testament of our gratitude for their sacrifices.
  This inaugural Lone Eagle Honor Flight from Puerto Rico is special, 
because on April 13th we celebrate National Borinqueneers Day and honor 
the bravery and valor of the 65th Infantry Regiment, better known as 
Borinqueneers. This unit composed of Puerto Rican soldiers, led by 
their motto of Honor and Fidelity, served throughout the liberation of 
Europe in World War II and the Korean War. The history of Puerto Rico 
is rich with the example of individuals whose accomplishments inspire 
us today. They are men and women from all walks of life whose shining 
example attract the attention of the world to our small island. The 
Puerto Rican veterans recognized by the Honor Flight Network who served 
in the U.S. Army in World War II, in the Korean War and the Vietnam 
War, belong to a long line of American Citizens who did not hesitate to 
step into cauldron of war when duty called.
  Please join me in honoring Angel Acevedo-Bernard, Juan Acevedo-
Carrion, Jose Adorno-Roman, Francisco Berrios-Jovet, Fred Buendia-
Izquierdo, Rafael A. Cajigas-Morales, Wilfredo Cardec-Ramos, Andres 
Davila, Jesus Davila-Colon, Luis G. Padilla-Gautier, Cielo Guerrero, 
Jose I. Irizarry, Victor M. Labarca Lugo, Santos Martinez-Larriuz, 
Wilfredo Menendez-Quintana, Ruben Ortiz, Heriberto Ortiz-Ruiz, Salvador 
Rosado, Walter Santoni-Acevedo, Jose Torres and Ramon Torres-Gonzalez 
for courageously protecting our freedom and democracy.
  I am beyond proud of these heroes who have so selflessly served our 
Nation.

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